European Commission launches process for corporate responsibility in the pharmaceutical industry

On the occasion of the Belgian Presidency’s ministerial conference on innovation and solidarity in the field of pharmaceuticals held last Friday, European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani announced the launch of a process on corporate responsibility in the pharmaceutical industry.

A distinction is made between three platforms: ethics and transparency; to medicines in Africa; and access to medicines in Europe, and will examine the major challenges of ensuring access in the light of the issues of price and reimbursement. There are many opportunities for innovative partnerships here, and, for the first time at European level, issues of ethics and transparency in the sector are also to be addressed.

Mr Tajani, the Commissioner responsible for industry and entrepreneurship, said: "I attach great importance to corporate social responsibility. In the field of pharmaceuticals, it is all the more important for the activities of companies to be in line with the general interest. However, these companies have to operate in a commercial market. I think that it is time to launch a specific consultation at European level in this sector so that commercial imperatives can be combined with the needs of society."